Best Airline Credit Cards of 2019

There’s an airline credit card out there for every type of traveler. To help you determine which card is right for you, we assembled our top picks.

Best airline credit cards

Best for airline rewards and transferable airline points: The Platinum Card® from American Express

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Amex is consistently one of the best options for flight rewards. Though it comes with a $550 annual fee, you’ll earn stellar points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (see rates & fees).

• Rewards. Earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel and on prepaid hotels booked on American Express Travel. All other purchases earn 1x points.
• Welcome offer. Earn 60,000 rewards points after you make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
• Travel perks. Get an annual airline fee credit, annual Uber credits, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee credit, airport lounge access.

• Annual fee. You’ll pay $550 annually to use this card.

Find out more ways to transfer airline miles between programs

Best for United: United℠ Explorer Card

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The United℠ Explorer Card offers more bang for your buck versus other mid-tier airline cards. Besides United perks — which include two United Club one-time passes each card year — you’ll also get a $100 credit for your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application every four years.

• Signup bonus. Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you make $2,000 in purchases with your card within the first 3 months of account opening.Plus, you’ll earn an additional 25,000 miles if you spend $10,000 in the first 6 months.
• Rewards. Earn 2x miles on United purchases, eligible hotel stays and restaurant spending. Earn 1x miles on all other purchases.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit. Get up to $100 credit once every for years to cover for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.

• Earning restrictions. You may not earn your 2x miles when you purchase tickets through third party flights.

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Best for Delta: Delta Reserve® Credit Card from American Express

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This card is tailored to the Delta loyalist because it comes with perks like a companion certificate, Delta SkyClub access and a miles boost to quickly reach Medallion status and earn reward flights.

• Welcome offer. Earn 40,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you make $3,000 in eligible purchases with your card within the first 3 months of account opening.
• Rewards. Earn 2x miles on Delta purchases and 1x miles on other eligible purchases.
• Delta SkyClub access. Get complimentary access to all Delta Sky Clubs, which otherwise costs $59 for a single visit. If you visit Delta Sky Clubs once a month, that’s $708 savings per year. In addition, get discounted access for $29 for up to two guests.

• Annual fee. You’ll pay $450 annually to use this card.

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Best for Southwest: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

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This is the highest-priced Southwest credit card, but you can offset the annual fee with the yearly $75 travel credit and the 7,500 anniversary points you get each year (valued around $75). You can also find great value from the priority boarding and the generous welcome offer.

• Signup bonus. Earn 40,000 points after you make $1,000 in purchases with your card within the first 3 months of account opening.
• Rewards. Earn 2x points on Southwest Airlines purchases and spending with hotel and car rental partners. Earn 1x points on all other purchases.
• Southwest Airlines perks. Get four Upgraded Boarding passes each year, $75 annual travel credit and 7,500 bonus Southwest points each card anniversary.

• Annual fee. You’ll pay $149 annually to use this card.

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Best for American Airlines: Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®

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If you often fly American Airlines and you want a card with the highest value, consider this one. It offers a generous signup bonus, first checked bag free, preferred boarding and a $125 flight discount once you meet the spend criteria.

• Signup bonus. Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after you make $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
• Rewards. Earn 2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, on gas and restaurant purchases. Earn 1x miles on all other purchases.
• American Airlines perks. Get first checked bag free and preferred boarding on American Airlines itineraries, plus 25% savings on eligible in-flight food and beverage purchases, and a $125 flight discount when you spend $20,000 or more in a cardmembership year.

• Taxes and fees. You’re on the hook for $30 per person in taxes and fees for your flight.

Compare American Airlines credit cards

Our pick for a card with airline credits

Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express

• Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you use your new card to make $1,000 in purchases within your first 3 months and a $50 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new card within your first 3 months.
• Earn 2 miles on every eligible dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta.
• Earn 1 mile for every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
• Check your first bag free on Delta flights – that’s a savings of up to $240 for a family of 4 roundtrip.
• Receive Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Terms apply.

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Compare airline credit cards

Many airlines offer cobranded credit cards with airline-specific perks. If you fly with different carriers, you might like a general travel card instead.

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Name	Product	Welcome offer	Rewards	Annual fee	Filter values
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card		60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months	2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases	$95		Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express		30,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, plus $50 when you make a Delta purchase in the same timeframe	2x miles on Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases	$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)		Earn 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, plus $50 when you make a direct Delta purchase in the same timeframe. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
CardMatch™ from creditcards.com		See terms	See terms	See terms		Can't decide on a card? Get personalized credit card offers with CardMatch™.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
United℠ Explorer Card		40,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months plus 25,000 miles after spending $10,000 in the first 6 months	2x miles at restaurants, hotels and United and 1x miles on all other purchases	$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)		40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening plus 25,000 miles after spending $10,000 in the first 6 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Avianca Vuela Visa® Card		40,000 miles after first purchase, plus 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days with promo code SB4060 (Worth over $1,000)	3x miles on Avianca, 2x miles on gas and groceries, 1x miles on all other purchases and 15% Multiply Your Miles discount	$149		Get a signup bonus worth over $1,000. Earn 40,000 bonus LifeMiles after first purchase, plus 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days with promo code SB4060	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card		40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months	2x points on Southwest and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rentals and 1x points on all other purchases	$149		Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card		40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months	2x points on Southwest Airlines and 1x points on all other purchases	$99		Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express		10,000 miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months	2x miles at US restaurants and on direct Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases	$0		Earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in purchases on your new card in your first 3 months of card membership. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
British Airways Visa Signature® Card		50,000 Avios after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus 50,000 Avios after spending $20,000 in the first year	3x Avios on British Airways, 2x on hotels and 1x on all other purchases	$95		50,000 Avios after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus 50,000 Avios after spending $20,000 in the first year	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card		40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months	2x points on Southwest Airlines and 1x points on all other purchases	$69		Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Avianca Vida Visa® Card		20,000 miles after first purchase, plus 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days with promo code SB4060	2x miles on Avianca, 1x miles on all other purchases and 15% Multiply Your Miles discount	$59		Earn 20,000 bonus LifeMiles after first purchase, plus 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days with promo code SB4060.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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How to compare airline credit cards

Aside from the card’s APR, here are a few important features to compare when selecting an airline credit card:

• Airline. If you prefer flying a certain airline, look for a cobranded card that offers rewards specific to that company. Otherwise, a general travel card can help you earn on all airlines.
• Annual fee. Airline credit cards often feature annual fees to offset the various perks they offer.
• Signup bonus. Many airline cards offer a mileage signup bonus when you spend within the set requirements. This bonus can easily pay for a roundtrip flight, depending on your destination and class.
• Earning categories. Cobranded cards tend to earn the most miles on purchases associated with that airline. If you plan on using your card for day-to-day purchases, consider a card that earns miles on those purchases.

How to choose an airline credit card

With so many options, picking the right airline credit card for you can feel overwhelming. Here are a few factors to focus on to narrow your choices:

1. Do you have a preferred airline? Airline credit cards come in two categories: general and cobranded. General cards can let you earn and redeem rewards on a variety of airlines. Cobranded cards, on the other hand, are limited to specific airlines when earning and redeeming. In exchange, cobranded cards offer even bigger earning rates than general airline cards, while offering additional perks associated with that airline.
2. Do you want to pay an annual fee? Higher annual fees usually mean more perks on the card. Make sure the fee is worth the benefits, though. You can also consider an airline credit card without an annual fee, but it will come with fewer perks.
3. Where do you do most of your spending? If you spend more on everyday purchases such as groceries and gas, look for a card that has a high earning rate on those categories. Remember that a cobranded airline card will earn the most on the affiliated brand, such as Southwest or Alaska Airlines.
4. What perks do you want? While both general airline cards and cobranded airline cards come with perks, cobranded cards are typically tailored to the cobranded business. Examples of unique cobranded perks include free breakfast, upgraded rooms and companion passes. General perks can include statement credits,travel insurance and concierge service, which can help you set up additional benefits such as baggage delivery.
5. How are the rates and fees? It’s not uncommon for airline cards to forgo foreign transaction fees, though it’s not a guarantee. You might also consider looking at the APR if you plan on carrying a balance on your airline card at some point.

You asked, we listened: Top 5 common questions

With so many airline credit cards to choose from, it’s only natural to have some questions. Here are the 5 most common questions we receive on the subject.

1. How much are credit card airline miles worth? The ultimate value of an airline milecan vary greatly depending on the specific loyalty program and how you redeem your miles.
2. Can I get an airline credit card with bad credit? Most airline credit cards require a good or better credit score. However, you can still use another type of credit card for your airline purchases.
3. What kinds of airline cards are there? Airline credit cards come in two varieties: cobranded, which are released under the umbrella of a specific airline, and general, which can be used on any airline.
4. Do I need a frequent flyer number to use an airline card? Only if you’re using a cobranded credit card. These cards need to be linked to your frequent flyer number to generate miles and provide rewards.
5. What’s the difference between airline credit cards and travel credit cards? Airline credit cards generate miles and offer rewards specifically for flights. Travel credit cards offer general “points” that can be used on airlines as well as other travel options, such as hotels and cruises.

Ask the experts

• Jennifer Burton
• Assistant Professor of Marketing
• Sykes College of Business

How are the number of miles required for a flight determined?

Frequent flier miles are a loyalty program perk offered by many airlines to influence a consumer’s decision to fly a particular airline over another so that they can accumulate enough points/miles to be awarded a free seat upgrade, free domestic flight or free international flight. The number of miles awarded for these perks is based on the average cost to the airline to deliver customers from point A to point B, as well as the perceived value of these perks to the average customer.

Airlines also sell the ability to accumulate miles to partner companies to award to their customer base as well. Typically, airlines will award free domestic tickets to passengers after accumulating approximately 15,000 airline miles and free international tickets to passengers after accumulating 40,000 airline miles.

Perceived value for these items typically runs between approximately 2.3 cents per mile for domestic flights and 3.8 cents per mile for international flights. However, what you get for these perks normally equates to 1 cents per mile for domestic flights and 2 cents per mile for international flights. So the airlines are still making money off these “perks.”

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• Eric Van Steenburg
• Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Marketing
• Montana State University

What makes for a good rewards program?

One should consider it from both the consumers’ and the brands’ perspectives.

From the consumers’ perspective, customers should feel there is value to the program that makes it worth their effort. This is essentially a cost-benefit analysis, which we all do all the time. Customers weigh items such as how often they believe they’ll be able to be rewarded, how often they’ll use the service to accumulate rewards, what the requirements are to be rewarded, how flexible the rewards are in terms of use with one or multiple airlines, and what it will cost them in terms of time and money. With airline credit cards, consumers consider what fees might be incurred on a monthly or annual basis, what the penalties might be if they don’t pay off the card in full every month, what the interest rates are, and how many places the credit card can be used.

From the brands’ perspective, the most important element in co-branding is that it must be of equal value to each participant. That is, an airline and a credit card company or bank must derive equal benefits from the relationship. For airline credit cards, the card supplier benefits from income it receives in the form of service charges levied on the vendor where the consumer uses the credit card, interest assessments added to a statement when the user doesn’t pay the card in full each month, as well as fees it charges to the consumer to use the card on an annual basis. For the airlines, they benefit from the fact that most people will purchase an additional ticket or tickets when they travel, thus increasing the carrier’s income for the flight, as well as fees for items such as extra bags being checked or seat upgrades that traveler chooses.

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